A free and appropriate public education (FAPE) shall be provided for each child determined to be in need of special education and/or related services. Students may be identified disabled and eligible for special education services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004). Others may be identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A student identified as disabled under Section 504 may be eligible for services if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits learning or another major life activity.

Referral

Once consent has been received, the evaluation team will gather information about your child's school performance. The following data may be considered by the team: student work samples, observations, behavior checklists, teacher rating scales, school records, and medical information. After reviewing the gathered information, the evaluation team will determine IF the student has a physical or mental disability that substantially limits learning. Re-evaluations will be periodically conducted, including at least every three (3) years.

504 Plan

If a student is identified as disabled under Section 504, the general education teachers, in collaboration with the special education department representative, shall design a plan to address the student's needs. The education program shall be provided in the general education classroom to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the disabled student.

Review

At least annually, there shall be a review of the education plan for a student receiving services under a 504 Plan.

Assurances

Any student identified as disabled under Section 504 is ensured equal opportunities for participation in academic, non-academic and/or extracurricular activities, and preschool and adult education programs.

Procedural Safeguards

1. Right to grant consent for evaluation activities.
2. Right to revoke consent for evaluation activities at any time by submitting a written statement to the building principal.
3. Right to receive written notice before a student's educational status is changed.
4. Right to examine school records.
5. Right to file a grievance or request for impartial hearing to the extent provided by law.

Nondiscrimination Notice Statement

It is the policy of the New Albany-Plain Local School District not to discriminate, in violation of Federal or State law, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in, any service, program, or activity sponsored by the New Albany-Plain Local Schools.

Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with this policy or the nondiscrimination requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 should be directed to:

Sheila Saunders
Director of Special Education

Title IX or Section 504/ADA inquiries may also be referred to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of Education.